notified, and it is hoped that she may be stopped. She is a small vessel, painted white, one stack, two upright engines, and one small foremast.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

WICKHAM HOFFMAN,

Major and Acting Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., April 24, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER FORT MACOMB;

The rebel ram Webb has just been destroyed about twenty-five miles below New Orleans, her crew taking to the swamps. The general directs that you strengthen your pickets from Battery Bienvenue, so if they make their way through to Lake Borgne you may arrest them.

You will also put out additional pickets.

W. D. SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Assistant Inspector-General.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., April 24, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER DISTRICT OF CARROLLTON:

A telegraphic dispatch has been received at these headquarters from the commanding officer of the U. S. gun-boat Ouachita, to the effect that the rebel ram Webb is coming down the river. You will look out for her and destroy her.

By order of Brigadier-General Sherman:

WICKHAM HOFFMAN,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Copies to commanding officers District of Bonnet Carre and Fort Banks.)

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., April 24, 1865.

Captain BICKER,

Seventy-seventh U. S. Colored Infantry:

CAPTAIN: The rebel ram Webb has been destroyed. Her crew has taken to the woods. They may attempt to come into the city through your lines. Extend your pickets to the swamp and capture them if possible.

By order of Brigadier-General Sherman:

WICKHAM HOFFMAN,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
New Orleans, La., April 24, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER, Donaldsonville, La.:

Where does the gun-boat Ouachita lie? Answer immediately. If you think there is any truth with regard to the ram, co-operate, with the gun-boats and make ready to destroy her.

By order of Brigadier-General Sherman;

WICKHAM HOFFMAN,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.